Ya Grow When Ya Go

The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” 

– Genesis 12:1

Do you consider yourself to be a follower or a leader? 

What if God made us to be both, asking us to live a life where we follow Him into the unknown, while at the same time lead others behind us? 

That is exactly what God asked of Abram, the father of Christianity, when he commanded him to “Go.” God didn’t offer Google Maps for directions or Trip Advisor for the best stops along the way, He simply commanded Abram to gather his people and “Go.” 

Imagine the questions you’d have if you were in his, or his wife Sarai’s, sandals. The first one that comes to mind is WHERE? (followed quickly by WHY? and HOW?) Imagine the reaction of his enormous tribe when he announced something like “Ok, we’re heading out. So pack up and be ready go in a couple days.” 

Finally, picture the departure day. Abram, staff in hand, standing next to Sarai, with thousands of people behind them. It’s silent, save for the gentle desert breeze rustling their tunics. The entire clan, including its leader, are standing stock still at a crossroads, faithfully waiting for instruction. Waiting for God to point the way. 

Can you relate to standing at a crossroads and desperately wanting God tell you which way to go? 

Unknown territory looks like:

• Swimming with a teenager in the deep waters of rebellion.
• Preserving a marriage racked with constant conflict.
• Managing a life instantly changed by unexpected test results or a policeman at the door. 

Just like Abram and Sarai, we face the unknown all the time. These are the times of testing. Will we follow God, or will we try to make it on our own?

A truth that has been rolling around in my mind for weeks now is:

YOUR TRUST IN GOD ONLY GROWS IN THE TESTING ZONE

As you think about that, play the chorus of the song Oceans by Hillsong in your mind.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.

Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander.

And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.

That’s why Abram could GO. He was in the presence of God. 

Giving thanks and praise to God immediately ushers you into His presence. No matter the road ahead of you or the unknown circumstances that you face, give God thanks for His goodness and His good plans for you. Eventually, God will help you walk out into the deep waters, much farther than your feet would have ever wandered. 

Yes!  When you follow God, others will follow you because your faith will become a light in darkness, a roadmap into the unknown, a hope in times of testing. 

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement